Supporting a 'new class' of unemployed

On Monday the Auckland Chamber launches a new campaign to provide support for a new class of unemployed – those with skills; have probably not experienced unemployment before; are more used to being tapped on the shoulder than writing a CV, and who may have to consider lesser roles and lower titles if they are to re-enter the workforce quickly.

Chamber Chief Executive Michael Barnett said the initiative was a partnership with Government and the business community. He said there is an increasing number of people with good skills who were becoming unemployed, and who believed they would quickly re-enter the workforce. Unfortunately they use up whatever financial resources they have believing they will find employment but are not well equipped to do so. They also do not believe they will need the help of Government, and leave entering a dole queue until it’s too late and they then bring other issues of debt and financial issues with them.

The Chamber believes its early intervention will improve the employability of all those who register with us, and with firms also making available employment opportunities, there is a good chance many of those who are presently unemployed will be rewarded with employment.